r/Visiblemending • u/Shabi_Akireisa • 4d ago

REQUEST Suggestions for a worn elbow!

Hello menders, I'd like some recommendations on how to mend this hole in my partner's jumper.
It's made of a really thin drapey knit. The hole is on the sleeve just below the elbow, and the fabric around it is quite worn.

I was considering a classic elbow patch (maybe after reinforcing the hole with some darning), however I'm not sure what kind of fabric to use for the patch itself as I don't want it to be too stiff. I'm open to other suggestions too: I have basic sewing skills, I can crochet and I'm open to try simple embroidery (but that takes a toll on my hands so wouldn't do anything too involved). Thank you!

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u/brusselsproutsfiend 4d ago

I’d probably go with an elbow patch (and inside patch too) but the fabric would need to be not too stiff or heavy since the rest of the fabric is so drapey. The inside patch could be an even thinner fabric than the outside patch. But I like it for reinforcement

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u/FirefighterNo3248 4d ago

I am with this poster. Thin fabric like t shirt scrap or merino on both sides. Remember that the fabric will no longer be flat and behave the same way as the non-worn portions as it has been stretched by the elbow, so mend with a little bit of ease. I’d steer away from embroidery or anything heavy.

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u/Shabi_Akireisa 3d ago

Oh t-shirt scrap is a great idea, I do have some. Thank you for the suggestion about the ease, that's really helpful!

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u/Shabi_Akireisa 3d ago

Thank you, I'll go with the double patch!

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u/Background-Ad-Bug 4d ago

You can knit the hole back together but make sure to put a patch on the outside and inside to prevent future rips

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u/mydogcharliebear 4d ago edited 4d ago

I’m working on patching an elbow hole (although much, much larger than this one 😢) on a similarly finely knit cardigan! I knit up a patch using DK weight 100% baby alpaca which I’ll be using for the outside. For the inside I’m planning on cutting a backing using a thin ankle sock that doesn’t stay up anymore

The alpaca is super soft and seems to have similar stretch to the cardi, and the sock is stretchy and thin! If your sweater is machine wash/dried though, I’d choose a superwash merino instead of alpaca to avoid problems like felting.

Edit: Just saw you didn’t mention knitting. A crochet patch would be a little stiffer, but using a lighter yarn like a fingering or light sport weight seems like it would make a great elbow patch

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u/Shabi_Akireisa 3d ago

Oh using a sock for the iside is a brilliant idea, they tend to be very durable while also being thin! I haven't quite learned to knit yet, even though it's only a matter of time, for now it's crochet only. I have a decent amount of superwash yarn, but it would probably end up too thick with a crochet patch, I will have a look through my lace weight if there's anything that can go through the wash!

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u/mydogcharliebear 3d ago

My only regret with the sock is not having one that matches the colour palette haha luckily it will be hidden on the inside but STILL. Good luck with your yarn search I hope you find one that works!